Environmental Concerns of Plane Fuels

Environmental concerns of plane fuels

Reading time: 10 min

In our previous blogs, we talked about the two most well-known types of plane fuels: AVGAS and jet fuel. But despite their benefits, plane fuels are also source of many environmental concerns. In this blog we’ll explain what those risks are and what steps have been taken to alleviate these issues.

AVGAS

AVGAS or low-lead 100, contains lead as an anti-knock agent which is the source of the biggest environmental problem of this fuel; – Avgas is the only remaining transportation fuel in the U.S. that contains lead. Lead is a toxic heavy metal and can be released into the environment from airplane exhaust. This can contaminate air, water and soil.

Other than lead pollution, AVGAS also contributes to air pollution, producing higher levels of some air pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides compared to automobile gasoline. This can contribute to smog and respiratory problems.

The greenhouse emissions of AVGAS such as carbon dioxide, though less than jet fuel, still contribute to the climate change.

Jet fuel

Here are some key environmental concerns related to jet fuel A1:

– Greenhouse gas emissions –

The combustion of jet fuel A1 produces carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Commercial aviation is a significant source of CO2 emissions globally.

– Air pollution –

Jet exhaust contains nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can contribute to smog formation at ground level. It also produces soot and fine particulate matter that is hazardous to human health.

– Contrails –

The water vapor from jet engine exhaust forms condensation trails in the sky. Contrails can trap heat and alter upper atmospheric temperatures, exerting some climate effects.

– Noise pollution –

Jet engines produce high noise levels that can disturb communities around airports.

– Spills –

Jet fuel spills, though less frequent than other fuels, can harm aquatic ecosystems and contaminate soil/groundwater. Fuel dumping in flight also introduces jet fuel into the environment.

– Wildlife impacts –

Infrastructure and operations related to jet fuel (refineries, transport, airports) can fragment wildlife habitats and disrupt animal populations.

Are there other types of plane fuels?

There are several others in different regions or for different aircraft, with specific modifications. Some of the main ones include:

Jet B:

This is probably the most common alternative in civil aviation. It is modified to offer a lower freezing point of -60 degrees Celsius and has a lower flashpoint. This makes it more dangerous to handle but is useful in colder climates such as Canada and Alaska.

TS-1:

This is a common fuel in Russia, again modified for a lower freezing point (-50 degrees Celsius).

JP-8:

This is military-grade jet fuel. It is designed for use in aircraft without fuel heaters, and also contains additional anti-corrosion additives.

What about safe, Eco-friendly options?

Aviation industry has started producing other types of fuel to reduce its carbon footprint and airlines have started to consider them. The most famous one is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is made from sustainable sources like used cooking oil, plant oils, municipal waste, etc. They have lower lifecycle carbon emissions

– Electric planes –

Fully electric and hybrid electric planes are being developed. They produce no direct emissions and are quieter. Range and capacity is still limited.

– Hydrogen fuel cells –

Using hydrogen fuel cells to power electric motors in planes. Hydrogen produces only water vapor emissions. Huge technical hurdles remain regarding use and production.

– Biofuels –

Aviation biofuels made from biomass like algae and camellia plants. Still largely in testing and not widely available.

– Liquid natural gas (LNG) –

LNG emits less CO2 and fewer particulates than jet fuel. Requires special handling and storage tanks on aircraft.

– Synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK) –

Made by converting natural gas or biomass to liquid hydrocarbons via the Fischer-Tropsch process. Has lower sulfur and aromatics.

– Unleaded aviation gasoline –

Designed to replace leaded avgas for piston aircraft. Several grades are certified, but supply is still limited.

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